HATTERSLEY'S very own community gym is celebrating its third anniversary soon.

An open day is to be held at The Gym on Hattersley Road East on Monday, 4 April to mark the occasion.

Project manager Steve Alford said: "The Gym has grown out of the Mottram and Hattersley boxing club - it's been well-supported and at the last count we've had 500 people who've used it over the past three years.

"For those who haven't, they can turn up for a free session, use the machines on the day and have a chat with the fitness instructors. If they can't train that day, they can always arrange a visit for another day.

"We've got new weight training equipment and next month will be getting more cardio-vascular equipment.

"We also have an after-school club for pupils which has generated a lot of interest and we run an NVQ in sport and recreation, which is open to school leavers wanting to learn how to operate a gym."

Two instructors are on hand to help locals who want to either get fit or stay in trim.

Pupils from local primaries have been learning about physical fitness as part of their studies while Tameside's youth offending team has also sent clients.

It was opened by former Greater Manchester chief constable Sir James Anderton and Hazel White, of Hattersley Development Trust, which has funded the centre.

It is open Monday-Friday between 10am and 7pm, and costs £1 a day to use the facilities or £2 after 4pm.